Queensland National Parks

Gold Coast and Scenic Rim

national parks
 Contents
Parks at a glance .........................................................................2

Welcome......................................................................................3

Plan your getaway........................................................................6

Choose your adventure................................................................7

Burleigh Head National Park........................................................8

David Fleay Wildlife Park..............................................................9

Nerang National Park and State Forest....................................... 10

Pine Ridge Conservation Park.................................................... 11

Tamborine National Park............................................................12

Springbrook National Park.........................................................14

Lamington National Park............................................................16

Main Range National Park..........................................................18

Mount Barney National Park.......................................................20

Moogerah Peaks National Park..................................................21

Glen Rock State Forest...............................................................22

Travel safely...............................................................................23

Further information....................................................................24

Parks at

Heritage Area
viewing point

Hiking track

Horseriding
information

Picnic area

Short walk

bike riding
Mountain
Lookout/
Camping

Fishing
Toilets

a glance
centre

World
Park

Burleigh Head NP

David Fleay Wildlife Park

Nerang NP l

Pine Ridge RP

Tamborine NP l

Springbrook NP u l

Lamington NP

Main Range NP

Mount Barney NP

Moogerah Peaks NP

Glen Rock SF

on the SEQ horse riding trail network only (refer to qld.gov.au/NationalParks for map) nearby in Numinbah section only

Mount Barney National Park

Photo: © Lachlan Gardiner
Photos page 3—top (clockwise from top left): Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt; © Ben Blanche; Steve Browne © Qld Govt; © Trevor Andersen; © Lachlan Gardiner
2 Photos page 3—bottom: Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt (ranger); © Gareth McGuigan (background)
Welcome
Breathe crisp
mountain air
in an endless
playground of
wild and vibrant
places. Rocky
escarpments,
lush rainforests
and river gorges
brim with trails for
adventure by foot,
hoof or wheel

Recharge under the brilliant night Venture through prehistoric

sky far from the glow of city lights landscapes carved by tumbling
waterfalls and cascading creeks

Embark on a wildlife safari

through wetlands, rainforest You don’t have to climb a mountain to
and open eucalypt forest and appreciate its beauty. Be enthralled by the
encounter some of Australia’s majesty of the peaks of the Scenic Rim
most iconic animals

Welcome to

Gold Coast and Scenic Rim parks

Welcome to the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim! From the ocean to the rugged mountains framing the
western skyline, we invite you to explore this beautiful wilderness. Come for a day or several weeks
and uncover this region’s hidden gems. Be well prepared and respect the land—be rewarded with
many unforgettable and magical experiences.
Tanya Sweeney, Ranger

Some parks featured in this brochure

are part of the Gondwana Rainforests
of Australia World Heritage Area, famed for its
ongoing geological processes, evolutionary
history, and diversity (especially of rare,
threatened and endemic species). 3
 To Ipswich To Ipswich

Parks of the

Queensland Gold Coast and Scenic Rim

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13

Track and trail classification

Grade Suits Track description
Wheelchairs and strollers No bushwalking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections.

No bushwalking experience required. The track is a hardened or compacted surface and may have
Families with young children
a gentle hill section or sections and occasional steps.
Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface
People with some bushwalking experience
and many steps.

Experienced bushwalkers Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signs may be limited.

Very experienced bushwalkers Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked.

Novice riders and experienced horses with

Wide trail with a gentle slope and a relatively obstacle-free, hardened natural slope.
basic skills and fitness
Experienced riders and horses
Trail with obstacles, variable surface and moderate slope. May include steep sections.
with moderate skills and fitness
Experienced mountain bike riders used to Challenging and variable trails with long, steep climbs or descents, loose surfaces and unavoidable
4 physically demanding routes. obstacles and features.
 North
Stradbroke
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To Brisbane

13

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To Murwillumbah

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Legend
Access track Wheelchair access Caravan Canoe launch area
National park (may require assistance)
State forest Great Walk Toilets Motorhome Augmented reality

Conservation park Horse step over Tap water Accommodation Nocturnal house

Timber reserve Stairs Picnic table Cafe Amphitheatre

Visitor information Sheltered picnic area Telephone Horse yards
Waterways Centre (VIC)
Restricted access Wi-Fi access (VIC) Open fireplace Walking track Airport
Barbeque—wood Water—
Township World Heritage Area Hiking treat before drinking
Mountain Ranger station Barbeque—gas Lookout Trails legend
State border Information centre Barbeque—coin Wildlife spotting Shared trail
(walking, mountain
Sealed road Information shelter 4WD access Mountain bike riding biking and horseriding)
Shared trail
Unsealed road Parking Camping Horseriding (walking and mountain
biking only)
Walking track Wheelchair access Camper trailer Fishing Mountain bike trail
5
(these symbols are used throughout this brochure)
 Photo: © Ben Blanche
Lamington National Park, Illinbah Circuit Crossing

Plan your getaway

Venture into the green beyond the gold, where open woodland and
rainforest stretch across rolling valleys and peaks, and seemingly Guided tours
impassable ranges reach to the clouds. Write your own story on a day If you prefer someone else to do
trip or longer holiday, exploring all that this vast and beautiful region the planning, or you’re simply
has to offer. short of time, you can join tours
with experienced guides for
a day or several nights.
Best time to visit Add some local flavour See visitscenicrim.com.au
Along the coast the climate is mild and Add one of the region’s fun-loving events and destinationgoldcoast.com
subtropical with temperatures ranging or tourist attractions to your journey. for more information.
from 20°C to 28°C in summer and from
Slow dance with a special someone at a
11°C to 21°C in winter. But in the west and
jazz festival, steal through neon-lit city
on the mountain plateaus winter mornings
streets for some late-night shopping,
can fall below a frosty 0°C and hot summer
treasure hunt at a local market or scream
days can reach a simmering 25°C to 40°C,
upside down on a rollercoaster ride.
especially on the exposed ridges.
Dress up and enjoy a day out at the
Walking in the cooler months from April to
country races, ride your bike past
September is best when rain and leeches
farmland and open country plains,
are less common.
celebrate at a firefly festival or savour
regional flavours at a country pub,
teahouse or winery.

Find out more at visitscenicrim.com.au

and destinationgoldcoast.com

David Fleay Wildlife Park (below left);

exploring Lamington National Park
(below right); Albert’s lyrebird (inset).
Photos: Briony Masters © Qld Govt (below left);
Anna Osetroff © Qld Govt; (below right);
© Bruce Thomson (inset)

6
Choose your adventure
Whether you want to picnic beside a freshwater creek, tackle a challenging bushwalk or
treat yourself to an overnight stay in the country, there is a park adventure waiting for
you! Take your time—explore the natural beauty of this region on a leisurely scenic drive.
Here are some suggestions to help plan your journey.
Travelling from the West
(Warwick)
Day and overnight trips
• Enjoy a peaceful morning tea and
easy bushwalks with great views at
Mount French section in Moogerah
Peaks National Park.
• Stroll through rainforest and take in
spectacular lookouts and cascades
at Goomburra section in Main Range
National Park. With plenty of space for
the kids to run, this is the perfect place
to camp overnight with the family.
• Picnic amid tall forest and witness a
majestic waterfall at Queen Mary Falls
section in Main Range National Park.
Multi-day trips
• Camp in Mount Barney National Park
and spend a couple of days exploring
the rugged landscape on epic
summit routes and rock climbs.
For experienced walkers only!
• Take your hiking boots or ride your
horse and discover the rocky
escarpments of Glen Rock State
Forest, camping overnight at
Casuarina camping area.
Travelling from the East
(Brisbane and Gold Coast)
Day and overnight trips
• Visit David Fleay Wildlife Park for
a wildlife encounter, ranger-led
show and Devonshire tea, before
walking along Tallebudgera Creek
mangrove boardwalk to ocean views
at Burleigh Head National Park.
• Begin with a morning bike ride in
Nerang National Park and State Forest
then drive to Tamborine National Park
to discover cool rainforest walks,
cafes and boutiques, and the local Tackle a Great Walk
hospitality of a cosy bed and breakfast. Challenge yourself on a 54km track
linking Lamington and Springbrook
Multi-day trips
• Bushwalk through rainforest and past national parks. Your route follows
waterfalls to take in scenic views an ancient volcanic rim through the
at Lamington National Park, before Numinbah Valley and sections of the
camping under the stars or staying Gondwana Rainforests of Australia
at a local guesthouse. World Heritage Area.
• Enjoy an outdoor barbecue on a Visit parks.des.qld.gov/great-
weekend retreat to Springbrook walks-gold-coast-hinterland
National Park, venturing on for more information.
bushwalks with waterfalls, rock
caves and breathtaking views.
• See panoramic views at Mount French Camping at Lamington National Park (above);
bushwalking in the rainforest (below).
section in Moogerah Peaks National Photos: Lightcapturer © Qld Govt
Park before driving to Queen Mary
Falls. Return via Cunninghams Gap
section in Main Range National Park
for a rainforest walk on the escarpment.
7
 Photo: © Qld Govt
Headland, Burleigh Head National Park

Burleigh Head National Park

Highlights
• Stand atop Tumgun lookout and
be mesmerised by humpback
whales breaching gracefully in
the coastal waters during winter
and spring.
• Glory in sea, surf and sun hitting
the waves on a surfboard at the
world-renowned Burleigh Heads
surf break.
• Escape the summer heat with
a bushwalk through cool
rainforest.
Getting there
Travelling from Brisbane on the Pacific
Motorway, take exit 89 and drive into
Burleigh Heads. Turn right onto the
Gold Coast Highway and left into
Goodwin Terrace. Travelling from New
South Wales, take exit 92 and drive
into Palm Beach. Turn left onto the Gold
Coast Highway and right at the traffic
lights north of Tallebudgera Creek.
Goodw
in Terr
ace
Northern
entrance
Street
i g h way
Discover tumbled basalt boulders, pandanus groves and sweeping
ocean views on a walk through this peaceful coastal park.
Meander through a living museum of
rainforest, mangroves and eucalyptus
trees and imagine a time when this was
once an abundantly-forested golden
coast. Venture to the top of the headland
and discover hexagonal-shaped basalt
columns jutting out from the earth,
cracked from the ancient Tweed Valley
lava flow. Feel the sea spray blowing in
from the ocean as you watch waves roll
into the beach.
Things to do
Wildlife spotting
Spy water dragons and mottled carpet
pythons sunning themselves on rocks,
and Australian brush-turkeys obsessively
tending their leafy nesting mounds.
In mid-summer, jewel-coloured Richmond
birdwing butterflies flit through the
forest feeding on rainforest nectars.
Walk along the rocky foreshore and
delight in dolphins playing in the waves,
and white-bellied sea-eagles and
Jebbribillum whistling kites riding the ridge updrafts
lookout
on the hunt for fish.
Places to go
1 Oceanview track
1.2km one way (30min)
Wander the rocky coastal headland from
Tallebudgera Creek, exploring rainforest
and pandanus groves.
2 Rainforest circuit
2.3km return (45min)
Duck into cool rainforest on this uphill
hike to superb views of the coast from
Tumgun and Jebbribillum lookouts.
Safety
Sections of the Oceanview track may
be closed during or after high winds,
heavy rainfall or extreme temperatures
and fire. Check park alerts at qld.gov.
au/ParkAlerts for the latest safety
information. Please comply with warning
and safety signs.
See whales breaching (left);
Walk around the headland (below).
Photos: © Qld Govt (left); Jess Rosewell © Qld Govt (below);

Tumgun
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Photo: © Robert Ashdown

Estuarine (saltwater) crocodile

David Fleay Wildlife Park

Highlights
• Flinch at the ‘snap’ of jaws
closing, as estuarine crocodiles
launch out of the water to snatch
prey from Park Rangers at feeding
time (September–February,
subject to change).
• Marvel at the playful escapades
of Wally, the resident platypus,
as he forages for crayfish and
slides down his waterfall.
• Feel like an excited kid again as
Park Rangers introduce you to
amazing wildlife, some rarely
seen in the wild.
Getting there
Take the West Burleigh turn-off
(exit 89) from the Pacific Motorway
and follow the signs along West
Burleigh Road to the park entrance.
Venture into this much-loved wildlife park, beneath dappled eucalypt
and arching fig tree canopies, in search of some of Queensland’s most
intriguing and rarely seen animals.
Imagine yourself on safari, glimpsing
prehistoric-looking cassowaries, tree-
kangaroos, dingoes, emus and iconic
koalas from the boardwalk.
Wander through wetlands, rainforest
and open woodlands, where animals roam
free in the natural surroundings. The park
is open from 9am to 5pm daily, except
Christmas Day and ANZAC Day morning—
opening at 1pm. Admission fees apply.
Phone (07) 5669 2051.
Things to do
Watch daily wildlife shows
Join Park Rangers to learn about the
unique wildlife that share our backyard,
as well as elusive, endangered and even
dangerous critters! Snakes, gliders,
cassowaries and crocodiles all have their
time in the spotlight.
Places to go
Free attractions outside the park.
1 Mangrove boardwalk
800m return (15min)
Weave through fringing plants living
between land and water, peeping through
to stunning views of Tallebudgera Creek.
Delight in azure kingfishers and rainbow
bee-eaters darting through the mangroves.
2 Canoeing and kayaking
Be enchanted on a peaceful paddle along
mangrove-lined Tallebudgera Creek,
where you can drift past fish, stingrays,
sea-eagles, and if you’re lucky, dolphins.
Enjoy our Fleays in Flight show (left);
Wally the platypus (middle).
Photos: Steve Browne © Qld Govt (left);
Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt (middle)

David Fleay
Visit the nocturnal house Conservation Park
Scale
Uncover the secret night-time antics of 0 200m
platypus, woma pythons and mahogany
gliders inside the nocturnal house. Have David Fleay
a ‘Eureka’ moment far from the hot, dry Wildlife Park
d
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grasslands of their native outback homes,

discovering endangered bilbies and the
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 Photo: © Shane Cresser
Mountain biking in Nerang National Park

Nerang National Park and State Forest

Highlights
• Listen for the ‘crack’ of glossy
black-cockatoos greedily breaking
open casuarina seeds above.
• Tiptoe along the creek line in
search of shy golden swamp
wallabies, koalas and echidnas.
Getting there
Nerang National Park is 12km from
Surfers Paradise and 70km south
of Brisbane. Access is along Hope
Street or Yarrayne Road, from the
Pacific Motorway, Nerang township
or Beaudesert–Nerang Road.
Scale
0 1km
Whatever your pace, whether on foot, horseback or mountain bike, take time
to enjoy the forested hills and gullies of this delightful bushland park.
Crisscrossed with a network of shared
trails and designated mountain bike trails,
explore this popular bush retreat by foot,
hoof or wheel. Just make sure to look out
for other trail users!
Things to do
Mountain biking
Grab your mountain bike and test your
skills on one of the technically-challenging
single mountain bike trails, mastering
small drop-offs and rock gardens as you go.
Horseriding
Saddle up for a more relaxed adventure
riding horseback along mountain ridges
bathed in golden afternoon haze.
Places to go
Try some of the old favourites or check the
link or QR code below for any new trails.
Casuarina Grove circuit
2.1km circuit plus optional 1km loop
(20min riding time)
Enjoy an easy, family-friendly ride through
a grove of casuarina trees.
Goanna
5.2km one way (30min riding time)
Travel through eucalypt forest and dry
rainforest on this mostly easy ride with
a few minor challenges.
Three hills
2.7km one way (20min riding time)
Downhill—one way only! Wind through
open forest of ghostly grey gum and
tallowwood with steep hilly sections.

Pete’s and Pete’s extension

Mau

2.1km one way (15min riding time)

ds la n

Enjoy a flowing ride from the North–East

d

Pac ifi c M

corner of the park back to the car park.

Rd

GC2018 Loops 1–3

ot

4km return (1hr riding time)

orwa

Beaudesert Check link or QR code

−Nerang Rd One way only! Test your fitness and
y

technical skills on these challenging loop

trails designed especially for the 2018
Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
(distance and time are total of the 3 loops,
an Rd

not each)
Nath

For a detailed mountain bike trail map visit

St
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parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/nerang
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Be
Photo: Bernard Hicks © Qld Govt
Banksia woodland
Pine Ridge Conservation Park
Highlights
• Breathe in the perfume of
delicate wildflowers—wallum
wedge pea, yellow peabush and
prickly broom heath bloom in late
winter and spring.
• Peek through binoculars and spy
sacred kingfishers, rainbow bee-
eaters and variegated fairy-wrens
darting through the paperbark
swamp forest.
Getting there
Pine Ridge Conservation Park is in
Runaway Bay, 10km north of the Gold
Coast city centre, accessed via Oxley
Drive off the Gold Coast Highway.
Escape the bustling coast to the golden banksia woodland and flowering
heathland of a park rich with Aboriginal cultural significance.
Connect with this sacred land of the
local Aboriginal people, a place where
meals made from local bush foods, fish
and shellfish have been shared by the
Traditional Owners for thousands of
years. Discover shell heaps (middens)
piled with oyster shells and imagine past
feasts. Be a botanist for the day and
try to distinguish the abundant forest
types growing here—eucalypt forest
with fragrant wattle, banksia woodland,
paperbark swamp and coastal heath
bursting with wildflowers.
Things to do
Picnic
Relax with a picnic under the shaded
forest canopy. Picnic tables are provided.
Walking and cycling
Unwind on a gentle bushland walk or
cycle along the forested trail, past the last
Oxley Drive
remaining patch of wallum banksia heath
on the Gold Coast.
Wildlife spotting
Watch for echidnas snuffling in the leaf
litter, and koalas and goannas in the tall
bloodwood trees.
Poinsett
ia Ave
Rainbow bee-eater (left);
pink boronia (above right).
Photos: © Qld Museum (left);
© Alison Ilic (right)
Scale
0 250 500m
11

Palm Grove section, Tamborine National Park
Tamborine National Park
Highlights
• Witness Cameron Falls tumbling
over the cliff top on the Sandy
Creek circuit.
• Trace the footsteps of folklore
on a walk at Witches Falls—local
children once believed this forest
was haunted by witches and giants.
• Go for a scenic drive stopping
for a relaxing picnic with a view
at The Knoll.
Getting there
Tamborine Mountain is 80km south
of Brisbane. Travel via Nerang–
Beaudesert Road and Oxenford–
Tamborine Road from the Pacific
Highway, or Tamborine Mountain
Road from Canungra.
12
Escape to the mountains and lose yourself in the shade of white-washed
flooded gums and rainforest gullies thick with piccabeen palms.
Walk through ethereal rainforest and
silvery eucalypt woodland, the fresh
air revitalising your every step.
Admire sweeping views of Flinders
Peak, the Scenic Rim and Brisbane.
Declared in 1908, Tamborine National
Park was Queensland’s first national park,
(originally Witches Falls National Park).
Today’s park has 14 separate sections
for visitors to explore.
Did you know?
The place name ‘Tamborine’ means
‘wild lime’ and refers to the finger lime
trees that grow wild on the mountain
and were eaten by the traditional
Aboriginal people of this area.
Photo: Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt
Things to do
Wildlife spotting
Listen for strange gurgling sounds beneath
your feet—these may be giant Tamborine
earthworms travelling through waterlogged
underground burrows. Look for Richmond
birdwing butterflies and colourful noisy
pittas in summer. Red-necked pademelons
bound between slender palm trunks and
towering buttress roots, while platypus
and frogs dip into cool lagoons.
Picnicking
Enjoy popular picnic areas in Cedar Creek,
Palm Grove, The Knoll, Witches Falls and
MacDonald sections.
Horseriding
Ride your horse on designated trails
in some sections of the park.
Access is from Beaudesert–Beenleigh
Road or Tamborine Mountain Road. Visit
parks.des.qld.gov.au/experiences/horse-
trails for information about the SEQ horse
riding trail network.
Places to go
1 Cedar Creek Falls lookout track
500m return (15min)
Take a walk to Cedar Creek Falls lookout
and admire views of the gorge, waterfalls
and rock pools. The track to the lookout
is suitable for strollers and assisted
wheelchair access.
2 Cedar Creek Falls track
1.1km return (30min)
From Cedar Creek Falls lookout, descend
through eucalypt forest and dry rainforest
to the rock pools below.
3 Curtis Falls track
1.1km return (30min)
Be enchanted on a walk beneath towering
flooded gums into lush rainforest to
Curtis Falls.
4 Lower creek circuit
2.5km return (1hr)
Branch off Curtis Falls track and cross
Cedar Creek before passing a giant,
fallen strangler fig.
5 MacDonald rainforest circuit
1.4km return (30min)
Enjoy an easy, gentle walk past strangler
figs and lush groves of piccabeen palms.
6 Palm Grove circuit 9 Witches Falls circuit
2.7km circuit (1hr) 3.6km return (1hr)
Discover peaceful piccabeen palm groves, Zigzag down the mountain side through
rainforest with emergent strangler figs an open forest of banksia trees and into
and distinctively-buttressed yellow rainforest before reaching Witches
carabeens. See fascinating fungi Falls lookout.
along the way.
10 Sandy Creek circuit
7 Jenyns circuit 2.6km circuit (1hr)
4.8km circuit (1.5hr) Explore lush rainforest with towering trees
Veer off Palm Grove circuit into drier emerging through the canopy. Admire
eucalypt forest featuring a grove of views across the valley to the southern
ancient cycads. suburbs of Brisbane and D’Aguilar Range
from Cameron Falls lookout.
8 Witches Chase track
2.6km return (1hr)
Safety
Wander down this track to Witches Falls
The steep narrow roads from Nerang,
lookout and continue through rainforest
Oxenford and Canungra are unsuitable
with large red cedar trees and
for buses, trailers, caravans and trucks.
eucalypt forest.
Parking
There is limited car parking at Cedar Creek
section and limited bus, caravan and
motorhome parking in Joalah and
Witches Falls sections.
Cedar Creek section
To Oxenford
1 2 and Nerang

Wheelchair-assisted access is available

Curtis Falls (below left), in the day-use area and to Cedar Creek
Palm Grove (below middle); Falls lookout only.
Ta
R o ad

“Noisy pitta (below right).

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Photos: © Lev Evison (below left); bo
© Queensland Museum (below middle); rin Cedar Creek
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Scale
0 1 2km 13
To Canungra

Springbrook National Park
Springbrook National Park
Highlights
• Stand on the suspension bridge
and feel the spray of Purling Brook
Falls plummeting into the rock pools.
• Walk among ancient Antarctic
beech trees in the cool temperate
rainforest on the Best of All
lookout track.
• Visit Natural Bridge by day to see
the unique waterfall. At night, be
entranced by the blue-green lights
of thousands of glow-worms living
in the cave.
Getting there
Springbrook has four sections—the
plateau, Mount Cougal to the east and
Natural Bridge and Numinbah to the west.
Springbrook plateau section
Exit the Pacific Motorway at Nerang
and follow Nerang–Murwillumbah
Road to the Springbrook turn-off
at Pine Creek Road or take the
Mudgeeraba turn off and follow
the Gold Coast–Springbrook Road.
Mount Cougal section
Exit the Gold Coast Highway at
Currumbin and follow Currumbin
Creek Road to its end.
Numinbah and Natural Bridge sections
Exit the Pacific Motorway at Nerang
and follow Nerang–Murwillumbah
Road. Signs on your journey to Natural
Bridge can be more reliable than your
GPS in this area.
14
Spectacular waterfalls and cool ancient forests await you in this
beautiful World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest.
Strap on your hiking boots and submerge
into lush subtropical rainforest, open
eucalypt woodland and montane heath,
the sound of tumbling creeks and
songbirds in the air. Witness the power
of roaring cascades as they continue to
sculpt rocky escarpments and caves.
Feel you’ve reached the world’s edge as
you venture atop lookouts and take in
breathtaking views of the valleys below.
Did you know?
Glow-worms seen at Natural Bridge are
not actually worms but the larvae of a
small fly. The light you see is a chemical
reaction occurring inside the glow-worm’s
body. Known as bioluminescence, meaning
‘living light’, this quirk of nature is used
to lure prey.
Rangers’ tip
Book in advance with a local tour
operator for a night-time glow worm tour.
Find out more at destinationgoldcoast.com
Photo: Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt
Things to do
Wildlife spotting
Spot brilliant blue spiny crays, frogs
and long-finned eels swimming in
the sparkling mountain streams.
Shy pademelons, swamp wallabies
and potoroos roam the forest floor and
glossy-black satin bowerbirds forage
for blue treasures to decorate their
bowers. At night, glow-worms provide
a magical experience inside the cave
at Natural Bridge.
Horseriding
Enjoy a country-style horseride along
the specified trails in Numinbah and
Austinville sections of the park. Visit
parks.des.qld.gov.au/experiences/horse-
trails for information about the SEQ horse
riding trail network.
Blue spiny crayfish (left); Natural Bridge (below);
Twin Falls (right); Eastern yellow robin (far right).
Photos: © Robert Ashdown (left); © Tourism and Events
Qld (below); Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt (right);
Anna Osetroff © Qld Govt (far right)
Places to go
1 Goomoolahra Falls
lookout and track
200m return (5min)
Take in the view stretching to Stradbroke
and Moreton islands from several
lookouts at the top of the 60m high
Goomoolahra Falls.
2 Best of All lookout track
600m return (30min)
Venture past Antarctic beech trees to a
spectacular view of northern New South
Wales dominated by Mount Warning, an
ancient extinct volcano.
3 Purling Brook Falls circuit
4km return (2hr)
Pass through open eucalypt forest with
tall New England ash, ancient
lepidozamias, hakeas and wildflowers
before descending into the gorge to view
the falls from the suspension bridge over
the rock pools. With 265 steps this walk is
Places to camp
6 Natural Bridge circuit 1 The Settlement camping area
1km return (1hr)
Walk across Cave Creek to witness the
Pitch a tent beside your car or bring your
waterfall plunging into the arched cave.
camper trailer or campervan to this
At night, the cave is illuminated by glow-
beautiful mountain top camping area.
worms and fungi and alive with the flutter
Slumber peacefully under a starry sky
of little bent-wing bat wings. This track
then a short walk to the top of Purling
is best walked in a clockwise direction.
Brook Falls.
7 Cascades track
1.6km return (1hr) Safety
Walk through subtropical rainforest Be cautious near cliff edges, remain on
beside Currumbin Creek to a viewing formed walking tracks and stay well
platform overlooking scenic cascades outside the restricted access area at the
and an old bush sawmill. top and base of Purling Brook Falls, and
on Cave Creek at Natural Bridge. Do not
jump into rock pools at Mount Cougal.
Serious injuries have occurred.
To Nerang Scale
0 1 2 3km
Pine Cree k R

To Mudgeeraba
best travelled in a clockwise direction.
oad
Forest Park Numinbah kR
4 Twin Falls circuit
Waterfa ll Creek

C r eek
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Gol

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Numinbah
through changing forests. Valley
Wunburra Seqwater
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lookout
5 Warrie circuit Nerang
Dam
17km return (allow 5–6hr)
Apple Tree Park
Follow the base of The Canyon cliffs to
Goomoolahra Falls before descending into
the mossy green depths of the rainforest Springbrook
to reach the ‘Meeting of the Waters’, National Park
where all watercourses draining Gwongorella
The Canyon meet. 3 picnic area
d
Sp
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Purling Brook
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R ep

7
Numinbah
Nature Reserve
2
To Best of
Murwillumbah All lookout New South Wales
15

Elabana Falls
Lamington National Park
Highlights
• Admire sweeping views across
Ships Stern, Turtle Rock,
‘Kurraragin’ (Egg Rock) and
down into Numinbah Valley from
Koolanbilba lookout along the
Lower Bellbird circuit.
• Feel cool spray kiss your face as
you walk past rushing cascades
and wild waterfalls on the
Toolona Creek circuit.
• Rest in quiet contemplation at
Collin’s chair on the Caves circuit
and take in views down into
Coomera Valley.
• Hike the rainforest-clad cliff
line along the state border on
the Border Track, from Green
Mountains to Binna Burra.
Getting there
Lamington National Park has
two sections—Green Mountains
(O’Reilly) and Binna Burra.
If you’re using GPS directions type
‘Binna Burra’, and ‘O’Reilly’s’ or
‘Lamington National Park Road’
for Green Mountains.
Green Mountains section
Exit the Pacific Motorway at
Beenleigh or Nerang and follow
signs to Canungra. The 36km
road to the park from Canungra is
unsuitable for large campervans,
camper trailers or caravans.
Binna Burra section
Exit the Pacific Motorway at Nerang
and follow signs west to Lamington
National Park, Binna Burra. The final
16 1km of the 10km drive is very narrow
and winding.
Walk upon cloud-drenched mountains and over rugged cliffs
and crystal-clear creeks.
Reinvigorate your spirit on a short or
full-day bushwalk past roaring cascades
and rainforest groves, under the twisted
arms of ancient Antarctic beech trees
and through blankets of flowering heath.
Lamington’s rainforests are remnants
of ancient Gondwanan forests that once
covered Australia. With each step feel
a connection with this beautiful land.
Did you know?
The Albert’s lyrebird can imitate sounds of
up to 20 different bird calls. If you hear a
kookaburra laughing in the rainforest, the
chances are it’s a male Albert’s lyrebird
broadcasting his remarkable vocal
abilities to impress potential mates.
Things to do
Wildlife spotting
Listen for the whip-cracking call of the
eastern whipbird. See the brilliant red
and blue colours of the crimson rosella
and the magnificent green and red of
the Australian king-parrot. In the cooler
months you may be lucky enough
to hear the fluid calls or spy the
gossamer plumage of one of the
park’s songbirds—the Albert’s
lyrebird—along the rainforest tracks.
Photo: © Bevin Rijkaart
Rangers’ tip
The best way to truly experience this
historic World Heritage gem is to stay
overnight. Discover the park’s special
stories at the Binna Burra and Green
Mountains information centres.
Places to go
Green Mountains section
1 Centenary track
1.8km return (30min)
Pass through tall hoop pines into
subtropical forest on this easy walk,
stopping to pause at the bench seating
provided to watch for regent and satin
bowerbirds darting through the branches.
2 Rainforest return
1.4km return (30min)
Watch for yellow-throated scrubwrens and
logrunners among the leaf litter on this
short rainforest stroll at the start of the
lengthy Border Track.
 3 Python Rock track 7 Caves circuit Places to camp
5km circuit return (1.5hr) Privately-managed campgrounds are
4.9km return (1.5hr)
Wind through open forest and rainforest, located close to the park at Green Mountains
Pass through rainforest into an open
taking in views of Coomera Valley. and Binna Burra.
eucalypt forest scattered with grasstrees.
The Caves circuit includes 1km of the
Enjoy views of Morans Falls, Castle Crag
Binna Burra Road. Take care when walking
and the Razorback and the distant Safety
beside the bitumen road. Alternatively,
peaks that form the scenic rim from A high level of physical fitness and
return to the start of the track by walking
Python Rock lookout. navigational skills are essential to walk
back along the circuit.
more remote parts of this extremely
4 Morans Falls track rugged mountain park. Arrive early to
8 Tullawallal circuit
6.2km return (2hr) via the Centenary track. complete any full-day walks and avoid
5km return (1.5hr)
See Morans Falls and a scenic panorama getting lost at night.
Walk through subtropical rainforest before
from Morans clearing lookout with views
arriving at a pocket of cool temperate Red-necked pademelon (left); Crimson rosella (middle);
over the Kerry Valley and distant ranges Green Mountains section (right).
rainforest dominated by ancient
that frame the scenic rim. Photo: Leanne White © Qld Govt (left);
Antarctic beech trees. Anna Osetroff © Qld Govt (middle/right)

Binna Burra section

d
Binna Burra

oa
5 Rainforest circuit
aR
section
urr
1.2km return (30min)
aB

Listen for the calls of bowerbirds and Binna Burra 6

Binn

Mountain Lodge
catbirds as you pass through warm
subtropical rainforest.

6 Lower Bellbird lookout track

12km return (4hr)
Descend through rainforest and open
forest to Bellbird lookout, which is a short
side track, with excellent views of Ships 7 6
Stern, Turtle Rock, ‘Kurraragin’ (Egg Rock)
and Numinbah Valley. End your walk here Creek
Bird
or continue on the Lower Bellbird track to Rifle
Kweebani 5
Koolanibilba and Yangaha lookouts. Binna Cave
Burra Road forms part of the return circuit,
Bord

please take care especially on weekends

Binna Burra
when traffic is busy. Alternatively, return Tr
er

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Lo

along the circuit.

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Green
Mountains 3 Lamington
section National Park
Road West Canungra
1 Creek circuit

4
Python Rock
lookout
2
Morans Falls lookout Morans
Tree top
Falls
walk
Morans clearing lookout O’Reilly’s
Rainforest Retreat Border
Track
 Photo: © SarahHaskmann
View to Mount Mitchell from Mount Cordeaux

Main Range National Park

Spend a few hours, a day or a week discovering this historic arc of
Highlights mountains stretching spectacularly from Mount Mistake to Wilsons Peak.
• Stand at the edge of the receding
escarpment at Sylvesters lookout
and feel as if you’re soaring Ramble along rugged escarpments with Things to do
above the valley below. giant spear lilies clinging to almost-
vertical slopes beneath. Subtropical Wildlife spotting
• Behold spectacular Queen Mary
rainforest hugs the park’s moist gullies Glimpse brush-tailed rock-wallabies
Falls plunging 40m into the lush
boulder-strewn valley below. while the sunny slopes burst with balancing precariously on the cliffs or
• Follow the footsteps of early eucalypt trees, grasstrees, wattles and Cunninghams skinks sunning themselves
explorers and pioneers at casuarinas. Discover the secret world of on rocky outcrops. Listen for the throaty
Cunninghams and Spicers gaps. the endangered eastern bristlebird and ‘ok-ok-ok-ok-ok-ok’ call of the Fleay’s
vulnerable black-breasted button-quail. barred-frog after rainfall. Delight in
Getting there wedge-tailed eagles soaring overhead
Stroll along easy trails to visit heritage
The park has four sections—
sites and amazing lookouts, or head and treecreepers scurrying up tree trunks
Cunninghams Gap and Spicers
off-track for a challenging hike into to sneak unsuspecting prey.
Gap at the top of the range and
Goomburra and Queen Mary Falls in remote areas where you’ll feel like
the sheltered foothills. the only soul around.
Picnicking
Enjoy a scenic picnic at Cunninghams Gap,
Cunninghams Gap section
Cunninghams Gap is 116km south- Spicers Gap, Queen Mary Falls (pictured
west of Brisbane, 21km from Aratula,
Did you know? below) or Goomburra.
or 50km north-east of Warwick. History is alive in these hills! It’s believed
Spicers Gap section that up to 13 people are buried at the
To access Spicers Gap turn south off Pioneer gravesite at Spicers Gap. One
the Cunningham Highway into Lake grave is reputed to be that of Mrs Collins, Rangers’ tip
Moogerah Road then turn right into the wife of a bullock driver, who fell from Stop for 5 minutes in
Spicers Gap Road. This road is steep a loaded wool dray while descending a quiet place and become
in places and is not suitable for the ‘pinch’ (narrow road), and after part of the bush—it’s amazing what
campervans or caravans.
whom Mother Collins Pinch was named. you’ll see and hear!
Goomburra section
Goomburra can be reached from
either the New England Highway
south of Allora or from the
Cunningham Highway west
of Cunninghams Gap. The last 6km
of road to the park is unsealed and
may be flooded after heavy rain.
Queen Mary Falls section
Queen Mary Falls is 11km from
Killarney and 64km south-west of
Boonah on Killarney–Boonah Road.
The scenic road from the east is
18 steep and not suitable for caravans.
 Places to go 5 Rainforest circuit Places to camp
1.6km return (25min) Camping at Goomburra is a fantastic family
1 Queen Mary Falls circuit
Pass the Allan Cunningham monument experience with plenty to see and do.
2km return (40min)
before detouring to Fassifern Valley Book your camp site well in advance for
Take a leisurely stroll through the
lookout, offering a spectacular view school holidays and long weekends to
eucalypt-covered ridge top to the
over distinctive volcanic peaks, make sure you don’t miss out.
rainforest gorge and witness
Fassifern Valley and Lake Moogerah.
Queen Mary Falls from the lookout.
1 Poplar Flat camping area—
2 6 Box Forest track Goomburra
Sylvesters lookout
5km return (2hr)
940m return (30min)
Pass through rainforest and open forest to Enjoy an open, flat, grassy camping area
Take in magnificent views over the coastal
arrive at brush box-lined West Gap Creek. adjacent to Dalrymple Creek.
plains from Sylvesters lookout, including
the southern tip of Lake Moogerah and
7 Pioneer Graves
the rugged Border Ranges to the south.
260m return (15min) 2 Manna Gum camping area–
Goomburra
Venture on a short walk from the
3 Mount Castle lookout
picnic area to a small cemetery where
960m return (30min) Manna gums provide ample shade during
13 people are believed to be buried.
Gaze at views over Laidley Valley the warmer months in this open, flat,
and the Little Liverpool Range grassy area next to Dalrymple Creek.
8 Governors Chair lookout
from Mount Castle lookout.
300m return (15min)
Visit Governors Chair, the large rock 3 Spicers Gap camping area
4 Dalrymple circuit
on the edge of the cliff face, which was
1.2km return (30min)
reportedly a popular resting spot for early For a more cosy experience, pitch a tent
Explore the rich history and natural values
governors of Queensland journeying in this small, grassy area set in a clearing
of the forest on this self-guided signed
through Spicers Gap. Look out over on the eastern side of Spicers Gap.
circuit, ideal for young family groups.
Fassifern Valley.
Remote camping
These are just a few of the 22 walking
Some opportunities for remote, walk-in
tracks on park, visit qld.gov.au/MainRange
bush camping are available. You must be
for detailed information on the walks.
fit, experienced and suitably prepared and
purchase camping permits before you go.
Safety There are no facilities.
Take care near cliff edges and remain
on formed walking tracks.

To Brisbane To
1 2 2 3 4 Beaudesert

Fleay’s barred-frog (left); Goomburra section 5 6

Queen Mary Falls (above); To Toowoomba Aratula
Dalrymple Creek crossing on the Cascades
circuit in Goomburra section (below). Allora
Photos: Harry Hines © Qld Govt (left); Cunninghams Boonah
Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt (above/below) Inverrams Gap section
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 Photo: Steve Browne © Qld Govt
Mount Barney’s East Peak

Mount Barney National Park

Highlights
• Watch the many moods of Mount
Barney from the Yellow Pinch lookout
and don’t even raise a sweat!
• Sit quietly beside crystal-clear
Mount Barney Creek at the Lower
Portals and scout for tell-tale
bubbles of platypus activity
breaking on the water’s surface.
Getting there
From Mt Lindesay Highway turn right
onto Boonah–Rathdowney Road at
Rathdowney and left onto Barney
View–Upper Logan Road, following
signs to either Lower Portals or
Yellow Pinch.
To get to the Upper Portals track,
turn off the Boonah–Rathdowney
Road onto Newman Road, then turn
left onto the Waterfall Creek Road.
A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is
required for access beyond Waterfall
Creek Reserve.
Only the very experienced can climb sheer, rugged mountains to
witness awe-inspiring views of craggy ridges and distant ranges.
Rising dramatically above the surrounding
grazing and farmlands, mounts Barney,
Maroon, May, Ernest, Ballow and Clunie
form a hiking mecca. These peaks are
important refuges for animals such as
the endangered Eastern bristlebird and
threatened brush-tailed rock wallaby.
You don’t have to climb Mount Barney
to discover the park’s many gems.
Things to do
Wildlife spotting
See kingfishers swoop over rock pools
and honeyeaters and robins flitting in the
trees. Grey kangaroos and red-necked
wallabies bound through the foothills.
Places to go
1 Yellow Pinch lookout
2km return (1hr)
Learn about the geological history
of this ancient landscape—volcanoes
3 Lower Portals track
7.4km return (3hr)
Discover the delights of beautiful rock pools
along a gorge on Mount Barney Creek.
4 Upper Portals track
8km return (3hr)
Crisscross Yamahra Creek through patches
of rainforest, eucalypt and hoop pine forest
before refreshing at a cool waterhole.
Summit routes
Summit routes are not walking tracks! Climb
with a capable, experienced leader and follow
a route guide to navigate over the steep terrain.
Places to camp
Remote bush camping
All remote camping sites in Mount Barney
National Park can only be reached by foot.
Minimal impact camping is encouraged within
the park—please, if you pack it in, pack it
out. There are no facilities at the camp sites.
To Boonah To Rathdowney
Boonah–Rathdow
Maroon n
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Climbing the peaks of Mount Barney by the commanding presence of 0 5km

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Mount Barney before you.
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Mt Maroon
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with exposed rocky sections, steep cliffs
ga

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12km return (4hr) re
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Mt
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Walk along the picturesque 3
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people. Clouds on the summit can make East Barney Upper d
as it meanders through cool West Peak Logan Rd
navigation challenging. A high level of Barney Peak
t Ck

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Mc
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Photo: Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt

Bushwalking at Mount French

Moogerah Peaks National Park

Highlights
• Feel on top of the world looking
out over Fassifern Valley,
Cunninghams Gap and
Mount Barney from lookouts
on Mount French.
• Soak in the rainbow hues of
wildflowers—ruby-red pea
flowers, yellow dogwood and
creamy Leptospermum colour
the springtime landscape atop
Mount Greville.
Marvel at the ancient volcanic peaks of mounts French, Greville, Moon
and Edwards, standing sentinel as the remnants of a once-forested
Fassifern Valley.
Explore the mountains, venturing through Places to camp
eucalypt woodland, extremely rare
brigalow scrub and dry rainforest featuring 1 Frog Buttress camping area
hoop pines, vines and slender piccabeen
palms. Emerge onto rocky summits with Relax in a small grassy area set in open
montane heath hugging the craggy outcrops eucalypt forest close to walking tracks.
and the wind blowing across your face. This spot is often booked by international
and local rock climbers during the
Things to do climbing season (April to September).

Rock climbing Mount French vehicle camp sites

Getting there
Mount French is 9km west of the
turn-off just south of Boonah.
Mount Edwards is east of the
Cunningham Highway and 9km
south of Aratula. Mount Greville
is 25km south-west of Boonah via
Mount Alford Road or 11km south
of Lake Moogerah. Mount Moon is
surrounded by private property.
Crack climbing at its best! Chalk up and
Two vehicle camp sites are available
scale the sheer rock face of world-famous
adjacent to the Mount French car park.
Frog Buttress on Mount French. This is for
Toilets, picnic tables and electric
experienced climbers only!
barbecues are provided in the picnic
area nearby.
Wildlife spotting
Be amazed by the acrobatics of peregrine
falcons performing near-vertical dives into
the valleys. Colourful finches dart through
the grass and goannas cling to the tree
trunks around you. Small populations of To Ipswich Boonah–Fas
sifern Rd To
the rarely-seen black-breasted button- d Ipswich
hR Mount
quail live on Mount French.
era
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Places to go
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Rock climbing at Mount French. 720m return (15min) Tunst Rd
ah

Photo: © Cameron Semple rd

Walk to Logans lookout for panoramic
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Standing on Glen Rock with views to Mount Philp
Glen Rock State Forest
Highlights
• Watch the setting sun pass over
volcanic outcrops and forested
hills before it disappears beyond
the sweeping pastel plains.
• Picnic leisurely by Blackfellow
Creek or camp overnight and
listen for the storybook ‘whoo-
hoo’ hoot of the powerful owl.
Getting there
Glen Rock State Forest is 40km
south of Gatton and located at the
southern end of East Haldon Road
on Blackfellow Creek. From the
Gatton–Toowoomba Road at the
western edge of Gatton take the
Mount Sylvia Road turn-off. Travel
south through Tenthill to Junction
View. At Junction View State Primary
School turn left and follow East
Haldon Road to the park.
View from Glen Rock.
Photo: Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt
22
Photo: © Robert Ashdown
Explore open woodlands, rocky escarpments and rainforest in this
beautiful park nestled in Tenthill Valley near Gatton.
Venture along forest roads, past 2 Blackfellow Creek trail
twisted eucalypt trees and grasstrees. 16km return
Named after a prominent volcanic Follow the creek from the fertile, alluvial
rock outcrop, this park bounds flats to the headwaters of Blackfellow
the most westerly extent of the Creek, ending at the historic Top Yards.
Gondwana Rainforests of Australia
World Heritage Area. 2 Mount Machar walking track
3.2km return
Things to do
Take a stroll to a small knoll with views
over the valley.
Wildlife spotting
Be a wildlife detective and look for tracks
Places to camp
and oval-shaped scats left by brush-tailed
rock-wallabies. Search for the bright red 1 Casuarina camping area
flash of a glossy black-cockatoo’s tail in
nearby casuarina trees. This open, flat, grassy camping area
is close to Blackfellow Creek and is
Walking, horseriding and cycling
dominated by the dramatic ridgelines of
the surrounding valley. Suitable for tent
The management roads provide paths camping, trailers, caravans and camper vans.
for walkers and riders to explore the
Ea s
To Gatton
unique landscape. Swap boots for
tH
al
hooves and ride in the footsteps of on
d
Rd
early settlers and farmers on the trail Mount Philp
to Top Yards and Christies Loop. 1 Main Range
Glen Rock gully National
Cyclists can enjoy a flowing ride along Park
the shared trails, taking in views down Glen Rock
to the rainforest gorge. 1 Glen Rock
Casuarina camping State Forest
and day-use area
Places to go
1 Christies loop Abbotts
5.2km return Yards
Climb this steep and rocky trail
Main Range 2
to admire views over Blackfellow
National
Creek Valley and the signature red Point
Park Pure
Top
rock outcrop that is Glen Rock. Yards
Scale
0 2km No horses and mountain
bikes beyond this point
Photo: Anna Osetroff © Qld Govt
Lamington National Park
Travel safely
Packing checklist
Adequate drinking water, food
and emergency supplies.
Complete first-aid kit. Include sun
and insect protection.
Detailed map showing travel
routes and distances.
Reliable camping gear in good
working order.
Sturdy rubbish bags and/
or sealable, animal-proof
containers. No bins are provided.
Long distance walkers: take a
topographic map, compass and
personal location beacon (PLB).
Camping
It’s best to book well in advance as
camp sites in popular parks are in great
demand during peak periods such as
long weekends and school holidays.
Book your camp sites and purchase
your camping permits online
at qld.gov.au/Camping
Be safe
• Walk with a group and avoid
walking alone.
• Allow plenty of time to reach your
planned destination before dark.
• Treat all water from taps, creeks and
lakes before drinking.
• Wear sturdy boots, protective clothing
and insect repellent to avoid bites,
scratches and stings.
• Stay well back from cliff edges
and waterfalls.
• Never dive or jump into creeks,
waterholes or lakes.
• Remember mobile phone coverage is
limited in most parks away from the
coast. Inform family or friends of your
planned itinerary.
Your safety
In high fire danger conditions, walking
tracks and other areas may be closed.
In the case of a bushfire or any illegal
activity, please call Triple Zero (000)
as soon as possible.
Lamington National Park
(left/right).
Photos: Anna Osetroff © Qld Govt (left);
© Sarah Haskmann (right)
Be responsible
• Rubbish—pack it in, pack it out.
All rubbish (including food scraps,
cigarette butts and sanitary and
hygiene items) must be carried out.
• Stay on formed tracks and do not take
shortcuts.
• Where permitted, light campfires only
within existing fire rings.
• Avoid the spread of weeds by checking
clothing and equipment regularly for
seeds. Wash boots at pathogen control
stations where available to stop the
spread of dangerous fungi.
• Be frog-friendly—please do not disturb,
handle or remove frogs, their eggs
or tadpoles.
• Leave your pets at home.
• Please don’t feed wildlife.
• Wash away from streams, gullies and
watercourses, minimising use of soap
and detergent.
• Where toilets are not provided, bury
all faecal waste and toilet paper
15cm deep and at least 100m from
waterways, tracks and camp sites.
23
Further information
qld.gov.au/NationalParks

qld.gov.au/Camping
qld.gov.au/ParkAlerts
(access, closures and conditions)
Scan to check
qldnationalparks park alerts

@QldParks; #QldParks

This brochure is also available online

at qld.gov.au/ParkBrochures

Useful contacts
Emergencies:
Call Triple Zero (000) or 112 from your mobile phone.

Road conditions:
Visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads
at qldtraffic.qld.gov.au or phone 13 19 40.

Tourism information:
Gold Coast Tourism destinationgoldcoast.com

Scenic Rim Regional Council

visitscenicrim.com.au
tourism@scenicrim.qld.gov.au

©State of Queensland 2019.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service,
Department of Environment and Science.
BP1993 June 2019.
Photos: © Casey Eveleigh Photography (front cover); © Lisa Frost (back cover)